A Sweeping Epic of Justice, Faith, and Sacrifice
What does it cost
to change everything?
Spanning seven decades and every corner of the globe, The Third Phase follows five lives shaped by injustice.
Available October 6, 2026
“The Third Phase is a great story, full of human drama, political intrigue, and real spiritual depth… a book that challenges us, moves us, and points us toward hope.”John Kasich —Former Governor of Ohio
What One Man Paid to Change Everything — and What Changed Him.
About the Novel
Five lives shaped by injustice. One mission to change the world.
What does it cost an ordinary person to change everything?
Can humanity move beyond endless conflict?
What is the third phase of civilization — and are we ready for it?
Can wisdom govern, and can love survive the price of doing right?
From a Bolivian soccer field to the halls of the United Nations, Carlos Smith's journey spans seven decades of personal sacrifice, political struggle, and spiritual transformation. Alongside four extraordinary people — each shaped by a different injustice — he pursues a vision of True Democracy that his enemies will do anything to stop.
Rooted in the philosophical tradition of Plato's Republic and echoing the moral ambition of Les Misérables, The Third Phase asks whether wisdom can finally govern — and what it costs the people who dare to make it possible.
The Story
Five lives. Seven decades. Every corner of the globe. One mission: can civilization grow up?
Bolivia. Palestine. Iran. Miami. China. Brussels. Washington, São Paulo. Across seven decades and every corner of the globe, The Third Phase is the story of how civilization grows up — and what it costs the people who dare to make it possible.
About the Author
A life lived at the intersection of power, faith, and ideas.
In Conversation
John C. Adams with Soledad O’Brien
A broadcast conversation on the ideas, moral stakes, and global journey behind The Third Phase.
Praise for The Third Phase
"A book that challenges us, moves us, and points us toward hope."
The Third Phase is a great story, full of human drama, political intrigue, and real spiritual depth. It's a book that challenges us, moves us, and points us toward hope.Governor John KasichFormer Governor of Ohio
In an age when many politicians have never heard of Plato (as distinguished from Play Doh—the toy), Adams demonstrates the continuing relevance of classic Greek thinkers to contemporary world issues. This clever and intriguing novel will make you think, laugh and cry. It may also cause you to change your mind. It may even get some politicians to read Plato’s allegory of the cave. The old philosopher would be proud.Alan Dershowitz
In The Third Phase, John Adams reminds us of one of the greatest gifts of a story: its ability to awaken our imagination... transformation is possible, redemption is near, and the better story being written can begin today.Steve CarterAuthor & Lead Pastor
Christ Church, Oak Brook, IL
A daring philosophical tour de force... reimagines Plato's Republic with electrifying originality... a visionary meditation on governance, global affairs, education, and the human spirit — urgent, reflective, numinous, and impossible to put down.Dimitrios Katsantonis, Esq.Writer & Film Producer
Member of the Bar of England & Wales, the Middle Temple & the New York Bar; Advisor on Islamic Finance
The Third Phase by John C. Adams is a captivating thriller that explores global politics, international sports, the nature of power, and the importance of family. It’s an engrossing read that combines nonstop action with thought-provoking ideas on effective statecraft.Bill WordenAssociate Professor of Spanish,
University of Alabama; Spanish Professor,
The Great Courses
For Book Clubs
The book your club has been waiting for.
The Third Phase is built for conversation. Every scene raises questions that don't have easy answers — about justice, morality, faith, about what we owe each other across borders and generations.
It is the rare novel that leaves readers not just moved, but changed — and eager to talk about why.
Sample thematic questions – each could be an evening.
Are belief, fear and love things we choose — or things that happen to us? And is your answer the same for all three?
Every society in history has been run by a few people on behalf of many, including our modern day “democracies”. Could we truly turn that on its head?
If you could have chosen, before you were born, a life with no pain, no grief and nothing to forgive — would you have taken it?
Which is the higher thing — justice or mercy? How does faith impact the question?
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For John’s ongoing writing on democracy, faith, and public life, look for him on Substack.